Our Mission

The mission of the Chicago Rapid Transit Coalition is to argue and advocate for the expansion of subways, elevated lines and light rail throughout Chicagoland.

While Chicago hasn’t seen a newly constructed rapid transit line since the opening of the CTA Orange Line nearly 20 years ago, Shanghai has constructed over 263 miles of subway and rail since 1995. Closer to home, Los Angeles has an ambitious agenda to build or expand 11 new rapid transit lines, while New York City just began construction on the Second Avenue Subway.

Meanwhile, Chicago has some of the worst traffic congestion in the nation, a situation exacerbated by the fact that many areas of the city continue to lack convenient rapid transit service. This state of affairs presents a challenge for Chicago’s future and global city status.

Chicago cannot be left behind. The city will not have a world-class transit system unless we are willing to make the critical investments the system needs–now.